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Preparing for College: How Tutors Can Help High School Students
Preparing for College: How Tutors Can Help High School Students
Getting into college is a major milestone in any student’s life, marking the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new academic journey. However, the path to college can be fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to standardized testing and meeting admission requirements. This is where tutors can play a crucial role, offering personalized guidance and support to help high school students succeed.
The Importance of Standardized Tests

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are pivotal in the college admissions process. These tests are designed to assess a student’s readiness for college and are often a significant factor in admissions decisions. According to the College Board, which administers the SAT, these exams provide colleges with a common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. This means a high score can significantly enhance a student’s chances of getting into their preferred college.

Additionally, the SAT and ACT serve as benchmarks for academic skills that are essential for college-level work. Performing well on these tests demonstrates a student’s proficiency in critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. For colleges, these scores help in selecting candidates who are likely to succeed in their academic programs. Thus, excelling in these exams is a crucial step toward college admission.
How Tutors Can Help
One of the primary benefits of hiring a tutor is the personalized study plan they can offer. Unlike generic test prep courses, tutors can tailor their instruction to address the specific strengths and weaknesses of each student. This customization ensures that the student can focus on areas that need improvement, thereby maximizing their potential for a higher score. Personalized attention from a tutor means that each lesson is designed to meet the individual needs of the student, making learning more efficient and effective.
Tutors also equip students with effective test-taking strategies. This includes time management techniques, understanding the format of the test, and methods to tackle different types of questions. For instance, knowing how to eliminate incorrect answer choices can significantly increase the chances of selecting the right one. These strategies are crucial for performing well under the timed conditions of standardized tests.
Reducing Test Anxiety
Many students experience anxiety when it comes to standardized testing, which can negatively impact their performance. Tutors can help alleviate this anxiety by familiarizing students with the test format and providing them with the confidence needed to tackle the exam. Regular practice tests administered by tutors can simulate the test environment, making the actual test day less intimidating. This repeated exposure helps build familiarity and reduces the fear of the unknown, allowing students to approach the test with a calmer mindset.
Moreover, tutors can teach relaxation techniques and stress management strategies that students can use on test day. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive affirmations can help keep anxiety at bay, ensuring that students can perform to the best of their abilities. Reducing test anxiety is not just about improving scores but also about enhancing overall well-being and confidence.
Beyond Test Prep
While preparing for standardized tests is a significant part of a tutor’s role, their assistance extends beyond just test prep. Tutors can also provide guidance on college applications, helping students craft compelling personal statements, assemble application materials, and prepare for college interviews. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-prepared for all aspects of the college admissions process.
Tutors work on building the overall academic confidence of their students. This is particularly important for students who may struggle with certain subjects. By offering consistent support and positive reinforcement, tutors help students overcome academic challenges and develop a more positive attitude toward learning. A confident student is more likely to take on challenging coursework and succeed in their academic endeavors.
Advanced and Enrichment Programs
For students who are already excelling academically, tutors can offer advanced and enrichment programs. These programs are designed to challenge students and keep them engaged, preventing boredom and ensuring that they continue to grow academically. Enrichment programs provide opportunities for students to explore subjects in greater depth, fostering a love for learning and intellectual curiosity.
Advanced tutoring can also prepare students for the rigors of college-level work. By exposing them to more complex material and higher-level thinking, tutors help students develop the skills needed to excel in college. This head start can be invaluable, giving students a competitive edge in the college admissions process and beyond.
Making Tutoring Accessible
Given the significant benefits of tutoring, it is essential to make these services accessible to as many students as possible. Some tutoring centers offer flexible scheduling and reasonable pricing to accommodate families’ needs. Moreover, online tutoring options have made it easier for students to receive quality instruction from the comfort of their homes. These options ensure that students from various backgrounds can access the support they need to succeed.
Furthermore, many tutoring programs offer financial aid or sliding scale fees to make their services more affordable. By removing financial barriers, these programs ensure that every student has the opportunity to benefit from personalized, high-quality tutoring. Making tutoring accessible is crucial for leveling the playing field and providing all students with the tools they need to achieve their college dreams.
Conclusion
The journey to college is a challenging but rewarding one. With the support of skilled tutors, high school students can navigate the complexities of standardized tests and college admissions with greater confidence and success. Personalized study plans, effective test strategies, and the reduction of test anxiety are just a few ways tutors can make a profound impact on a student’s academic journey. Beyond test prep, tutors help build academic confidence and provide enrichment opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next step in their educational journey.
Investing in a tutor can be one of the best decisions a student and their family make in preparation for college. With the right support, students can unlock their full potential and achieve their college dreams.
Sources:
1. College Board. (2023). Understanding the Importance of SAT and ACT Scores in College Admissions. Retrieved from [College Board](https://www.collegeboard.org)
2. NACAC. (2023). The Role of Individualized Tutoring in College Admissions. Retrieved from [NACAC](https://www.nacacnet.org)
3. U.S. News & World Report. (2023). How Advanced Tutoring Programs Give Students a Competitive Edge. Retrieved from [U.S. News](https://www.usnews.com)

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Raising Teacher Expectations, Training Paraeducators, and Providing Small-Group Enrichment: Eurekii 3D at New Song Academy
Challenge:

New Song Academy math scores were traditionally low, well below state and national averages.

Intervention:

Using Eurekii 3D, we changed the math culture of the school to embrace problem-solving, rigor, building number sense and reasoning skills. We introduced the importance of using data to inform and stay on pace. We also built an enrichment culture to stretch and challenge the youngest students (PreK-3) to raise expectations across all grades.

Results:

In 2023, New Song Academy was named one of the top 10 schools to have the highest math growth in Baltimore City.

School Summer Boost Camps: Meade Cluster Schools
Challenge:

Meade Cluster schools wanted to minimize learning loss during the summer by providing virtual summer programs focused on presenting STEAM and academic content areas in a fun way.

Solution:

Eurekii ran several camps for Meade Cluster including MathMagic, a puzzles and games class, to sharpen math skills and several beginner coding classes to further challenge students and build analytical thinking skills.

Results:

Based on the success of the camps, Eurekii was asked to continue providing classes in subsequent school years.

Math and English Summer Intervention: University of Maryland School of Nursing Summer Program
Challenge:

University of Maryland School of Nursing ran summer programs for underserved middle school students. The program included two weeks of college and career mentorship as well as academic support. Many of the students were disengaged with traditional learning methods, so the University was looking for a partner to engage students with math and English in a much more creative way.

Solution:

Eurekii gave students a pre-test in both English and Math to know which areas to focus on. Students then spent two weeks working on a creative project practicing skills they needed based on the test. In English, they worked on defining and developing a character, and writing about the character’s traits, life, hobbies, and interests. Through their character development, they practiced writing and reading comprehension skills. For math, each student created their own animal within math parameters to reinforce key middle school math skills.

Results:

Over 91% of the students reported enjoying the camp and over 72% reported an increase in math and English skills. Pre- and post-test results showed an increase of over 59%.

Build Instructor Pipeline: Rosemont Elementary School
Challenge:

Rosemont Elementary Middle school needed time to find math teachers and support staff. The original task was to bring in many tutors, however, that solution was expensive, not scalable, and did not fix their instructor pipeline challenge.

Solution:

Working with the school, Eurekii recruited, qualified, and trained eight people from the school community to support students while positions were being filled. Tutors went through content and pedagogical training as well as best-practice tutoring techniques. Four candidates were recommended for hire based on math content pre- and post-test results, as well as their ability to effectively tutor. The other four were not recommended but are now supporting their community with their new math understanding.

Results:

By recruiting from the community, the school identified those who have connections with the school and students, making it easier for the tutors to stay with the school. The four recommended tutors became successful, full-time paraprofessionals.

Training Paraeducators to Teach Middle School Math: Lillie May Charter School
Challenge:

Lillie May Charter School was not able to find certified math teachers for their 7th and 8th grade classes. They brought in two long-term substitutes– one who had math understanding but not the math pedagogy. The other was an experienced teacher, but not in 7th grade math. Lillie May wanted to invest in the two substitutes to become certified teachers through the alternative certification program.

Solution:

Eurekii trainer met with each sub once a week going through specific content the teachers were to teach that week. The sessions included content review to confirm math understanding and proficiency with several pedagogical strategies to best convey the content. Sessions included discussion of common misconceptions and areas for differentiation, as well as opportunities for enrichment and challenge.
In conjunction with the substitute training, the Eurekii team provided small group, in-class online tutoring for students during intervention blocks to ensure content understanding.

Results:

Students in grades 7 and 8 performed 100% to 300% better with two paraeducators than they did in past years with a certified math teacher. A record number of students enrolled in Baltimore City’s top most competitive high schools than ever in the school’s history.

Provide Math Instruction: New Era Academy
Challenge:

New Era Academy High School was not able to find a qualified math teacher for Algebra 1 or Probability and Statistics. Their current long-term substitute did not have the content or pedagogy knowledge to effectively instruct students. Their current substitute was eager to learn math and the school saw this as an opportunity to strengthen her skills.

Solution:

Eurekii provided live, virtual instruction during each class period. Eurekii instructors were responsible for the lesson plan, homework assignments, quizzes and tests with answer keys for the substitute to grade. The substitute ensured students were logging on, confirmed attendance and participation, and facilitated the completion of classwork, quizzes, and homework. The substitute was also able to engage with students afterwards about the content learned.

Results:

Surveys showed most students reported learning the same or more math than prior years and enjoyed the classes. Pre- and post-test results confirmed student participation and growth.

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Strengthen Reading Levels: Cherry Hill Elementary and Middle School
Challenge:

Cherry Hill Elementary and Middle School had multiple reading levels in each grade and wanted more support during in-school reading time. Teachers were not able to differentiate and support all learners in the classroom.

Solution:

In tight coordination with the grade level teacher, the Eurekii team of tutors worked with a designated set of students for nine-week periods, ensuring growth and personalized attention within that time frame. Weekly lessons and detailed notes were shared and aligned with classroom expectations.

Results:

Due to the positive results in the first nine weeks, the school expanded reading support from two to four grades for the remainder of the school year. The following year, the school kept all four reading grades and expanded the work to include an additional four math grades.

Enrich Grades PreK-3 Learners: New Song Academy
Challenge:

Enrich Grades PreK-3 Learners: New Song Academy

Solution:

Eurekii created the school’s first enrichment program to push students at or above grade level in math starting in the earliest grades (Pre-K-3). Students were challenged with Eurekii tutors while classroom teachers worked with a smaller group of students who needed additional support. Enrichment students had opportunities for additional practice after school to further accelerate their progress.

Results:

Both teachers and parents reported strong results with students working on problems one or two grade levels above what was expected. Based on the success, the school expanded the program to include more grades.

Maximize Free Time in High School: Baltimore Design School
Challenge:

Baltimore Design School’s (BDS) first period  was reserved for advisory, homework, and intervention time. However, students were not always productive. School leadership wanted better use of that time by providing 9th graders with additional math and English support.

Solution:

Eurekii provided live, hybrid instruction during the period to review and solidify skills learned in math and English class. The groups were divided so that there were both enrichment and intervention groups. Each group met virtually once a week with five to eight students per group. Eurekii communicated with the teachers to design the small group instruction so that the coordination of in-class and small groups were aligned, yielding maximum potential growth.

Results:

Both students and teachers reported the sessions positively impacted learning and school performance. BDS plans to expand this intervention for the next school year.

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Baltimore City provides Eurekii’s leadership team with beginning-of-year (BOY) and end-of-year (EOY) iReady data, comparing students using Eurekii tutors to students not receiving tutoring. In reviewing the state test results (known as the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, or MCAP) students receiving Eurekii tutoring performed significantly better than both the school district and the state.

Out of the 74 participants, students receiving Eurekii tutoring services for five or more months, 70% improved at least one grade level, of which 15% improved at least two grade levels, compared with their peers who did not receive tutoring.

Eurekii students scored significantly higher on the standardized state test, outperforming the overall Baltimore City Public Schools average by 17% points and exceeding the state average by several percentage points.

Our work in middle school showed Eurekii students scored higher on the standardized state test, outperforming the Baltimore City Public Schools average by nearly 8% and performing several percentage points better than the state average.

Our ‘training and management of tutors’ work has been featured in monthly district tutoring meetings and shared with other tutoring teams.

The AACPS tutoring program is a county-wide opportunity offered to those students who would benefit from additional tutoring. Students received targeted instruction in Math aligned to their performance on the beginning-of-year (BOY) diagnostic and ongoing progress monitoring using the Standards Mastery Assessments in i-Ready. The primary goal of the tutoring program is to move students toward grade-level performance in math based on individual student academic needs as measured by i-Ready diagnostic, grades, and MCAP scores. The pupil-to-tutor ratio is 4:1, and students meet with their tutor twice a week for a total of 1,025 sessions. Each session is 25-35 minutes in length.

The disaggregated outcomes demonstrate a decrease in the number of students who performed three or more grade levels below on their i-Ready Diagnostic Assessments and increased the number of students who performed at or above.
90% of students increased their iReady scores by at least 1-2 grade levels after our tutoring sessions.

Meade Heights Elementary School: 100% of students met or exceeded their stretch goals to move from below grade level to at or above grade level.

CLICK HERE to access the final data for this program.